Super eruptions and tectonic plate movements have left the planet in destruction. Most of civilization and humanity did not survive. Survival was hard and only the strongest and smartest managed. However, smart and strong does not mean all good and loving. Evil is sometimes equally strong and smart.

Blaez is a wolf shifter, an alpha male who has a desire to see what this world now holds. Blaez is a loyal son and loves his pack. But his wolf says the wind calls them…from the mountains of North Carolina. What future can be built from this ruined world? What of adventure and exploration? He’s cared for several females, but his wolf has accepted no one as a mate, does one even exist for him? Is he ready to find out?

Miranda is a strong alpha female from a wolf shifter pack in what used to be the mountains of Vermont. She’s lovely and desired by many, but she’s headstrong and wants more than tradition allows. Her wolf wants more too…does a male exist that’s strong enough to give them both the love and freedom they need?

Adventure and danger in a world just beginning to come back to life!

•••••••••

REVIEW:BLAEZ: The Reluctant Alpha is the second instalment in G.A. Hurst’s adult World of Shifters paranormal, dystopian romance series. This is alpha wolf shifters Blaez and Miranda’s story line. BLAEZ: The Reluctant Alpha can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND:Twenty years earlier, a catastrophic natural disaster destroyed most of mankind and the infrastructures where they lived and worked. As the few remaining people begin to emerge into the post-apocalyptic world, the shifters begin to realize that to live they will have to join together with their human counterparts in an effort to survive.

Told from several third person points of view including Blaez and Miranda BLAEZ: The Reluctant Alpha focuses on two struggling Packs of shifter wolves as they set out on a cross country journey in search of survivors, and the possibility of finding more of their kind. From opposite sides, the Packs and their human counterparts will meet reuniting families with missing loved ones, and the merging of a potential new Pack as Blaez will meet his fated mate-a woman who has starred in his fantasies and dreams. What ensues is the quick building, love and relationship between Blaez and Miranda, and the potential fall out when both Packs are pulled into a former government compound run and operated by a number of humans who have no knowledge of the supernatural existence- an existence that will be threatened by betrayal and revenge.

The relationship between Miranda and Blaez is one of insta-love. Both wolf-born shifters, our couple are aware of the shifter history, and the need and devotion to find the one that calls to their souls. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

BLAEZ has an extremely large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters from two shifter Packs, and the former government compound now housing over one hundred human survivors. Gage and Rissa (Heart of an Alpha #1), along with Rissa’s father Henry are reintroduced; there is a building relationship and possible new mating between wolf shifter Mercer, and human female Maxi.

BLAEZ is a slow building story line that struggles with telling rather than showing: as well as the propensity for redundancy and retelling of recent events. The story line bounces between two shifter Packs whose membership is large, and at times I found myself confused as to the who, what and where. Once the two Packs merged together there was more confusion as many of the shifters were related or friends-the problem, in my opinion, is too many characters thus leading to distraction and chaos throughout the story.

BLAEZ is an interesting and curious story line; a journey of discovery for fated mates whose lives will be enriched with their new found love- but – BLAEZ is also a story line that meanders in too many directions and got lost in the copious number of characters who appear in limited scenes for a singular or limited purpose. You may need a spread sheet to keep everyone in line. 😉

As she hunts for a drug lord killing her fellow witches, all Nessa Lansa’s instincts point to the Grizzly motorcycle club. That might be because their leader, Bear, is the strong, silent shifter type: warm brown eyes and more muscle and alpha male than any woman can ignore. Which makes Tessa’s plan to seduce and betray him all the more dangerous . . .

Bear doesn’t trust the curvy, blue-eyed witch. But Tessa can heal the injuries that sap his strength. And since he can’t stop thinking of her lush body and teasing smile, her plan to mate him to reclaim her own power is highly tempting. Just one problem. Once a desire this wild is loose, no one will ever control it .

•••••••••

REVIEW:WICKED BITE is the fifth installment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult REALM ENFORCERS paranormal, romance series-a spin off from her Dark Protectors series. This is bear shifter Beauregard ‘Bear’ McDunphy, leader of the shifter nation, and witch healer Nessa Lansa’s story line. WICKED BITE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing investigation and premise throughout. Bear’s story line has been developing for several installments. Several characters cross over from the author’s Dark Protector series for cohesion and familiarity.

SOME BACKGROUND:Known as Apollo, the deadly injectable designer drug of ‘Planekite’ renders its’ users in a state of god-like euphoria with super human strength, eventually leaving the abusers a seething mess of pyrotechnic ash. Apollo is also one of the few drugs able to destroy and kill the witches, and the Grizzly motorcycle club is under investigation by the Coven Nine Witch’s Council as well as the supernatural world’s elite police force.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Bear and Tessa) WICKED BITE follows the ongoing search to ferret out the person(s) responsible for making and supplying the world with the designer drug known as Apollo-a drug known to kill witches and humans alike. At the end of WICKED KISS Bear McDunphy was struggling with his supernatural abilities, and thusly our hero had gone into seclusion, remaining in his bear form, in the hopes of healing what was tearing him apart. Enter former Coven Nine council member Nessa Lansa, with an offer to heal Bear for a ‘price’. What ensues is the building relationship between Nessa and Bear, the continuing hunt for the person(s) trafficking Apollo, and the struggle to stay one step ahead of more than one enemy trying to take down Nessa Lansa.

Nessa has gone into hiding claiming someone has targeted her for her abilities but more than one enemy is hoping to destroy the woman with whom Bear is falling in love. Bear McDunphy is a bit of a loner, an over protective, grumpy alpha shifter but as the leader of the shifter nation Bear is all about the take down of his enemies, and protection of the people he loves. Currently Bear struggles with his supernatural abilities-a dual persona that threatens to tear him apart. His relationship with Nessa struggles with our heroine’s need to keep secret the real reason for her questionable visit but it is Bear’s need to protect and claim Nessa as his mate that places our couple in the direct line of fire.

The relationship between Bear and Nessa begins as an arrangement: Bear is in desperate need of a supernatural healer, and Nessa claims to need Bear’s ‘protection’ against an unknown enemy. Nessa’s continuous lies and betrayal set into motion a relationship battle when the truth is revealed but a truth that pushes Bear a step too far. The $ex scenes are dramatic and intense-Bear has issues of trust and his mate’s ongoing betrayal brings out the animal in our story line hero.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including many of the characters introduced in the author’s Dark Protectors series including Bear’s half-sister Simone Brightston and her mate demon Nick Veis; vampire and demon Garrett Kayrs and Logan Kyllwood; ruler of the Realm King Dage Kayrs and his mate Emma: as well as Bear’s second in command Lucas, and several members of the Grizzy MC, Nessa’s second in command Jasper and her uncle Boondock. There is a hint towards the introduction of Bear’s extended family-I am hoping for another potential spin off or the continuation of the author’s Realm Enforcers.

WICKED BITE brings together shifters, demons, witches and vampires in a war to protect the supernatural realm. The premise is engaging, intriguing and energetic; the characters are sassy, passionate and dynamic; the romance is tenacious, challenging and aggressive. WICKED BITE is a revealing, fast paced and spirited story line by Rebecca Zanetti.

Working as an informant for the DEA, Victoria Monzelle is used to living on the edge. But she’s not a big fan of getting kidnapped. And definitely not by a bunch of bad boy witches with fancy-colored fire to shoot at people. So when Adam Dunne shows up and claims to be a witch enforcer, she’s not going to put her life in his hands based on his word, no matter how smooth and smart and beautifully Irish his words sound. But on the run from a tribunal of witches, she isn’t going to make it far . . .

Before she knows it, Adam’s word is all that stands between her and execution. Sophisticated, just-gotta-ruffle-him Adam has vowed to make her his one eternal mate, wild and unpredictable as she is—to save her from a sentence of certain death. But Tori isn’t interested in being anyone’s pity date. And if they think she’s unpredictable now, they should see what’s coming next .

••••••••••

REVIEW:WICKED KISS is the fourth installment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult REALM ENFORCERS paranormal, romance series-a spin off from her Dark Protectors series. This is witch enforcer Adam Dunne, and DEA informant Victoria Monzelle’s story line. WICKED KISS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing investigation and premise throughout. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Several characters cross over from the author’s Dark Protector series for cohesion and familiarity.

SOME BACKGROUND:Known as Apollo, the deadly injectable designer drug of ‘Planekite’ renders its’ users in a state of god-like euphoria with super human strength, eventually leaving the abusers a seething mess of pyrotechnic ash. Apollo is also one of the few drugs able to destroy and kill the witches, and the Dunne brothers, including our hero Adam Dunne, have been tasked by the Witch’s Council to take down the suppliers and makers of the drug. With a bounty on their heads, Adam’s brothers Daire and Kellach have gone into hiding leaving Adam to fend for himself.

Told from several third person points of view including Adam and Victoria WICKED KISS follows Victoria Monzelle as she finds herself on the run from the group known as the Coven Nine ruling council of witches because of her ‘awareness’ of their existence. Enter Adam Dunne, witch enforcer, Victoria’s sister Alexandra’s mate Kellach’s brother, and the man with whom Victoria will fall in love. What ensues are Adam and Victoria’s struggle to stay one step ahead of the people trying to destroy their lives, and Victoria’s reluctance to accept Adam as her potential mate.

Something isn’t right with the ruling council, and Adam and Victoria have been targeted by the man in charge. Threats against both of their lives results in Adam going rogue in the hopes of discovering the truth. A time line has been enforced by the Council for Adam to take control but Victoria is more concerned with an issue back home.

The relationship between Adam and Victoria is one of immediate attraction but Victoria has other plans. Adam knows that to save Victoria from the witch’s council, a mating will be enforced but a mating that Victoria is reluctant to undertake. Victoria’s need to protect someone back home finds our heroine taking too many risks that result in her one too many threats against her life. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense. There is some definite palpable sexual energy between our leading couple.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Alexandra and Kellach (Wicked Ride #1), Cee Cee and Daire (Wicked Edge #2), shifter Bear Brightson, and his sister Simone (Wicked Burn #3), as well as several members of the Grizzly MC, the Titans of Fire Enforcers, and the ruling council of witches. The requisite evil has many faces-both familiar and close. Bear and Nessa’s story line is next in Wicked Bite.

The world building continues to focus on the take down of the people who are making and distributing the designer drug Apollo. As the ruling council continues to target one of their own, they get some help from an outside source. Adam and Victoria’s attraction to one another began in book one, and the consummation of their relationship is a hard-fought battle until the very end.

WICKED KISS is an action packed, fast paced, entertaining and revealing story line. The premise is intelligent, thrilling and edgy; the romance is sexy and provocative; the characters are colorful, dynamic and spirited. Rebecca Zanetti’s REALM ENFORCERS is a passionate look at the supernatural, enticing characters and provocative romance.

He’s the man of her dreams A long time ago, Zander Lorens was cursed to walk the earth stripped of his Dragon Clan powers. Every night, trapped in a recurring nightmare, Zander relives his darkest moment. He can hardly believe it when the dream changes and a beautiful young woman appears. Zander believes she’s the key to ending his torment. Finding her in the real world is one thing, but how will he convince her of who-and what-she really is?

She’s the end to his nightmare Rena McHale uses her unique sensitivity as a private investigator, touting herself as a “human divining rod” and finder of the lost. By day she struggles with sensory overload, and by night her sleep is haunted by a fiery dragon shifter. Nothing in her life makes sense, until the man from her dreams shows up at her door with a proposition..

••••••••••

REVIEW:UNDISCOVERED is the first installment in Sara Humphreys’ contemporary AMOVEO RISING paranormal romance series-a spin of from her AMOVEO LEGEND series. This is dragon shifter Zander Lorens, and private investigator Rena McHale’s story line. You do not have to have read the previous series to understand the story line premise. Any important information is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: The Amoveo are an ancient race of telepathic, dream walking shape shifters who hide their identity behind a human façade. If a male Amoveo has not found his mate by the time he has turned thirty, he will begin to lose his ‘animal other’ and live out the rest of his life as human; if an Amoveo loses his or her mate, they will slowly lose the ability to shift and die a lonely death. The Amoveo’s continued war with the Purists finds the Amoveo and the newly discovered ‘hybrids’ seeking refuge at the Royal compound where shifters and their mates are protected from the outside world. Not all shape-shifters are considered Amoveo, some are ancient cousins thought to no longer exist.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Zander and Rena) using present day, dream walking and memories from the past, UNDISCOVERED is the story of family, brotherhood, betrayal and love. For close to 500 years Zander Lorens and his twin brother Zed have been living a nightmare. Cursed to walk the earth without the ability to shift Zander struggles with the reality that his twin is caught between life and death. Hoping to release his brother from a prison not of his making Zander approaches the woman who has starred in his dreams-the dreams he believes will answer his brother’s cries. What ensues is the building relationship between Zander and Rena, and Rena’s struggle to convince Zander that she is his mate.

Rena is somewhat of an anomaly in the human world. With the ability to ‘see’ the past through touch our heroine uses her abilities to as a private investigator. Orphaned at an early age Rena never found the love of a family until a ‘grifter’ from the street taught Rena how to survive. Zander and his brother Zed are the last of their kind but a 500 year old curse threatens to keep the brothers apart for all of eternity and Zander hopes that Rena McHale is the key to solving their problem.

The relationship between Zander and Rena begins as a business arrangement. Zander believes Rena is his brother’s mate, and her presence will bring back the brother with whom he battles in their nightly dreams. There is plenty of sexual tension and frustration, back and forth as Zander struggles with his attraction to the woman he believes is his brother’s mate. The $ex scenes are intimate but limited.

For fans and readers of Sara’s THE AMOVEO LEGEND series you will be happy to know that several characters cross over for familiarity and cohesion including Dante and Kerry, Prince Dominic and his mate Tatiana, William and Layla.

UNDISCOVERED is a story of heartbreak and loss; one family’s struggle to move forward from the past, and one brother’s mistaken belief that he is to blame for his brother’s trauma. The premise is imaginative and intriguing; the characters are colorful, confident and intelligent; the romance is passionate but struggles with our hero’s inability to see the truth. UNDISCOVERED is an engaging tale of destined mates.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

When he reached Rena’s office door, he paused for a moment to steel his resolve. There was no denying he was attracted to her, but she wasn’t for him, and it was a fact he had to keep mind; otherwise, history would surely repeat itself.
“I know you’re out there! I heard you coming up the stairs.” Her voice was muffled but welcoming. “Come on in. We have paperwork to deal with.”
Zander balanced the coffee tray carefully and opened the door before quickly stepping inside. His secret hope that she would somehow be less attractive than yesterday was swiftly squelched when he got an eyeful of her. Wearing a well-fitted brown leather jacket, a clingy black blouse, jeans that seemed to be painted onto her rounded derriere, and a pair of tall, black boots, she looked even more desirable than the day before.
He must have stood there staring for longer than was socially acceptable because the look on her face quickly shifted to one of concern.
“What?” She brushed at her blouse and closed the file cabinet drawer. “Did I get something on my shirt?”
“No.” He looked away quickly and adjusted the tray of coffee in his hands.
“You look fine.”
“Gee, thanks,” Rena said with a sigh. “Just the level of awesome I was going for.”
He had insulted her. Perfect. Sure. This was exactly how he wanted to start their journey. Could he be a bigger asshat? Rena must have been asking herself the same question because she gave him the side eye before opening the folder in her hands.
“Please, sit down.” She slipped into the chair behind her desk and gestured to the seat across from her. “I have the forms you need to fill out a—”
“Black, right?” Zander placed the cardboard cup on the desk along with the bag and sat in the chair across from her. “I wasn’t sure what you wanted for breakfast, so I got a couple of options. There’s a chocolate doughnut, a bagel, and in case you’re one of those non-carb eaters, I threw in some beef jerky and a cheese stick.”
“Thank you,” Rena said slowly.
She stared at the coffee for a few seconds before finally picking it up. Her energy signature rippled as her fingers curled around the cup and those big, brown eyes widened slightly. He had obviously surprised her. Good. He liked knowing he could ruffle her tough exterior. This was a woman who tried to act like she had it all together, and for the most part, she probably did.
Zander blew on the steaming cup in his hands and tried to hide a satisfied smirk. Rena studied him warily and opened the lid, peeking at the liquid inside before closing it up again.
“You did say you take your coffee black, didn’t you?”
“Yes.” The word fell from her lips slowly. “Thank you.”
She glanced in the bag and, to his great delight, pulled out the chocolate doughnut and proceeded to take a big bite.
“That’s really flipping delicious,” she said around a mouthful the pastry.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it. It’s refreshing to meet a woman who isn’t afraid to indulge in something sweet or worried about getting fat.”
He liked women with curves. It gave a man something to hold on to, and Rena McHale certainly had a body he would—
What the hell was he thinking?
Zander cleared his throat and sat up straighter in the chair. Rena was about to take another bite, but the doughnut hovered in midair and she gave him yet another look that told him he was an idiot.
“I’m not saying you need to watch your weight. I just meant that—”
“Don’t worry about it,” she said, rolling her eyes.
“I’m sorry if I offended you. I’m not great with people and I put my foot in my mouth a lot.”
Why was he bringing her coffee and breakfast anyway? He should stick to business and keep the pleasantries to a minimum. Trying to be nice was only making it awkward between them.
“Then you and I should get along great,” she said with a laugh. “I’m not one to beat around the bush. I prefer being direct.”
“Yeah, I noticed.”
Rena’s intelligent eyes peered at him above the rim of her cup and she took another sip. Zander stilled as she studied him wordlessly. A surge of heat flashed in his chest as he held her gaze, and even though he wanted to blame it on the hot coffee, he knew that would have been a lie. There was no denying that she stirred something inside him, a deep, primal urge to claim her and mark her as his, but he also knew it was not to be.
Not if he wanted to free his brother.

Sara is a graduate of Marist College, with a B.A. Degree in English Literature & Theater. Her initial career path after college was as a professional actress. Some of her television credits include, A&E Biography, Guiding Light, Another World, As the World Turns and Rescue Me.

In 2013 Sara’s novel UNTAMED won two PRISM awards–Dark Paranormal and Best of the Best. Sara has been a lover of both the paranormal and romance novels for years. Her sci-fi/fantasy/romance obsession began years ago with the TV Series STAR TREK and an enormous crush on Captain Kirk. That sci-fi obsession soon evolved into the love of all types of fantasy/paranormal; vampires, ghosts, werewolves, and of course shape shifters.

Sara is married to her college sweetheart, Will. They live in New York with their 4 boys. For a full list of Sara’s books and reading order, please visit herWebsite.

NOTE:The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour provider:

Not even his past life as a former Marine and FBI agent could prepare him for the battle against the monster inside him, struggling to take hold. After an old nemesis of the Senary surfaces in Brooklyn, unleashing chaos and terror in the battered borough, Jon sets out to take him down. Instead, he ends up with far more than he bargained for when he clashes with the beautiful half-vampire hybrid, Lawan Knight.

After escaping near death and suffering unspeakable horror at the hands of vampires, Lawan trusts no one, regardless of species. In between bouts of drunken stupor, her only goal is to exterminate all those who’ve wronged her, including every member of Jon’s vampire bloodline. But Jon’s soulful eyes and quick smile crawls under her skin, transforming her black and white world into a hazy shade of gray.

As the days rapidly grow darker, Jon and Lawan turn to one another, but their inner demons threaten to tear them apart. The only way either of them will survive is if they overcome their greatest fear–

••••••••••

REVIEW:

The second book to what’s turning out to be a really good series.

JJ was a marine, then FBI agent, now he’s a human turned vampire (against his will) and holds a lot of resentment still, but he puts his skills to good use. He was saved by the Knights (his sister is marrying one) after saving one of the hybrids life. (There aren’t many good vamps, and JJ finds it hard to come to terms with what he is)

Lawan is a knight, (the hybrids that all live in the same place, have the same father) a hybrid, but she works alone. Something really bad happened in the past, and it shaped her into the killing machine she is today.

Their first meeting is explosive, she literally kicks JJ’s butt, and after leaving him coughing up blood, their next meeting should be just as explosive.

One of the hybrids (Rome) explains that although females were once made into hybrids, they were quickly eradicated. But not all of them, how Lawna slipped through the net gets revealed in the book. But he knows Lawna, and she certainly knows Rome !

The story remains at a fast pace, and like the first book in the series, it’s a graphic but gripping read. The characters slowly dance around their attraction for each other, JJ feels he doesn’t deserve anyone (who could love a vampire, right?) and Lawna can’t get close to anyone, and certainly not a leech. It would hurt too much to lose anyone else.

There is a sub-plot going on as well, and it’s interesting how the two move along together.

I’m totally hooked on this series, and can’t wait for more.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B.

_____________

Releasing The Demons The Order of the Senary Series #1 by L.D. Rose Release Date: August 19, 2015 Genre: adult, paranormal, romance

Blaze Knight has been through hell and back, but the nightmares aren’t over yet.

Five years after Blaze was maimed by Cyrus Chimola, a powerful vampire with a penchant for torture, he’s still trying to pick up the pieces of his shattered life. As a genetically engineered mercenary with the ability to bend fire to his will and to see in infrared, Blaze’s mission is to protect what’s left of humanity. When Chimola and his crew return to the Bronx gunning for Blaze’s blood, Blaze is forced to face the demons of his past. Hell-bent on revenge, he seeks the help of Valerie Medeiros, an NYPD detective who manages to steal his heart and save his life in more ways than one.

Motivated by her sister’s gruesome death, Valerie has made it her life’s goal to bury every vampire in the ground where they belong. When she brings in Blaze Knight for suspected murder, she discovers he’s not only innocent, he isn’t a man at all–he’s a half-vampire hybrid working with a band of brothers for the U.S. military. Valerie has a hard time trusting anything with fangs, yet she quickly falls headlong into Blaze’s life, a life full of darkness and horror she can’t even begin to fathom. The bodies are stacking up, but Valerie can’t seem to let go of this hybrid, a beautiful monster filled with pain, rage, and passion unlike anything she’s ever known.

In a world where the line between good and evil is blurred, Blaze and Valerie will find danger at every turn, risking everything they’ve come to know and love, including one another.

••••••••••••

REVIEW:

G-Fusion project ……

Human embryos were fertilised with vampire DNA, then placed back in human women to gestate.

The experiments were deemed wrong, and the hybrids were eradicated. (Or so humanity thought) Blaze and his group of “brothers” (different mothers, same father) protect their world, the only only way they know how …..

The hybrids all have hidden talents, fire makers, healers, ice makers and telepathy, to name a few of their talents.

Blaze can generate his own heat internally and from his hands he can produce flames. A film of opal colours covers his eyes and he can only see in infrared, which is great for tracking the vampires, but otherwise useless in everyday life, so he has to wear sunglasses all the time. Tortured until he wished for death, he was rescued by one of his brothers. And now he seeks revenge on the master vampire who captured and tortured him.

Valerie is a cop with a grudge, after losing her little sister to vampires, she’s made it her duty to protect the people of her town against these things, but it’s a battle they aren’t winning.

The vampire came out to the world (years ago) and now they rule the night, the humans live in fear, populations of cities were wiped out, and vampires claimed the cities as their own. Even daylight isn’t safe, as they can use minions to do their bidding during the day.

Blaze and Valerie meet up after she arrests him for the murder of a girl he was sleeping with. But after meeting him, she knows he didn’t do it, but there is something about him that isn’t right. He smokes (but no visible lighter) and he won’t take off his sunglasses, and all those tats, it means he’s either a gang member or something else. And Valerie wants to find out more……

At first she is very wary and doesn’t trust Blaze, and once she meets his brothers, her fears aren’t laid to rest.

Blaze is intrigued with the female detective, and after he is released, he realises she maybe able to help him find his lovers killer, but he already has an idea who it might be.

And as the story goes along, we have a sub-plot (don’t want to give too much away) but it’s one of the reasons Blaze is targeted by his old adversary, and I have a feeling it could be in a few other stories that come along.

The story doesn’t stop, lots of action, and very well written, it flows smoothly from one scene to another.

Blaze is a hybrid trying to redeem his past, and Valerie wants justice. Will she run when she truly knows what a monster he is ? Or will she through him and see the hybrid that hides behind the scars and sunglasses ?

Hoping all the hybrids get a book and can’t wait to dive into the next one …..

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B

Jon only had time to take a single breath before a dark boot materialized in front of his face, the heel aiming straight for his throat. He snatched it before it made contact and twisted hard, thrusting it away from him. The limb yielded beneath his grip as his attacker collapsed beside him, metal clattering nearby. He levered to his feet, pulling a KA-BAR from his boot as pain lit up his nerves, setting his teeth on edge. His attacker was already standing, the blade of a gorgeous double-edged Kris sword pointed at his throat.
Holy shit.His opponent was female, wearing a slim-fitting black battle uniform and carrying enough artillery to outfit a small army. Her jet-black hair was tied in a long braid and a black mask covered the lower half of her face. Her dark, almond-shaped eyes revealed her Asian heritage, her skin the color of caramel. A scabbard stretched across her back, strapped to her chest, along with the M16 she’d used to tear up the warehouse.

Jon took a step back, but she didn’t hesitate, launching at him with the blade. Metal clashed and sparks flew as he parried the long sword’s quicksilver arcs with his dagger. Although she limped from her injured leg, her strikes were hard, fast, and precise, each blow intended to kill. He nearly tripped over the pirate’s body as she backed him against the wall of the refinery, and he ducked as the blade screeched along the brick.

Before Jon straightened, he jabbed the butt of his KA-BAR into her knee and she yelped, stumbling backward. He slashed at her and caught nothing but air as she lurched away from him. She swung the Kris at his head and he raised the KA-BAR to engage and bind the sword. Both of their weapons trembled as their eyes locked on one another across the tangle of deadly metal.

And as her smoldering gaze drilled into him, he smelled it.

Dama de Noche.

The Lady of the Night, a nocturnal blooming flower he’d first smelled years ago in Nepal, when he was a human soldier. The scent was unmistakable, underlying the incense of vampire. The stench of leech didn’t belong to her, but the floral aroma was all her own.

She’s not a vampire.

Stunned by the revelation, Jon wavered, and she quickly took advantage of him. She sidestepped and lunged at him, sinking the blade in his shoulder. He shouted, dropping his KA-BAR as pain erupted from his dominant limb. Moving lightning fast, she yanked the blade out and sliced an arc across his chest. Luckily, she only scored his Kevlar, and as the sword swooped around again, Jon caught it with his gloved hands, silver biting into leather.

“You’re a hybrid,” he ground out. “I’m on your side!”

She pushed hard against him, drawing blood. “Bullshit.” Her voice was a rich contralto, edged with a growl. “You reek of Temhota.”

The Dama drew back and chopped at his belly, but Jon blocked her with his forearms, metal jarring against his bones. Finally, he managed to kick the blade out of her grip and it spun away, clattering to the ground. She somersaulted backward to retrieve it, but Jon caught hold of her braid in mid-air and wrenched on it. She cried out and landed face-first on the pavement, her breath audibly whooshing from her throat.

Jon wound her braid around his hand like a rope and straddled her, pinning her down. He tore the M16 off and tossed it as she writhed beneath him, fighting hard. Yanking her head up, he leaned close to her ear. “I’m not your enemy,” he hissed.

Her already shallow breath quickened and her struggles intensified, her sweet scent pumping from her pores in cloying waves. Panic. Fear. Restraining her like this completely terrified her.

Jon let up, knowing it was a mistake, but the shred of humanity still left in him couldn’t resist. The Dama slammed the crown of her head into his face and his retinas exploded in a staggering palette of reds, whites, and grays. His nose caved in, but not so far as to bury the bony shards into his brain. Blood poured out of him like a leaky faucet as he fell back, propping himself up on the wall of the refinery.

She was on him in an instant, chopping the edge of a flat hand into his trachea before smashing a fist in his ear. She wobbled to her feet as he struggled desperately to breathe—remember Jon, you don’t have to—and she gave him a vicious kick to his solar plexus, doubling him over. The pain was terrific, a cacophony of agony echoing from every corner of his body.

Jesus Christ, she was beating the shit out of him.

The Dama stood there, shaking, the fabric of her fallen mask fluttering to the ground. Jon blinked, trying to clear his blurred vision as she picked up her sword. He stole a glimpse of her face as she flung the mask up with the blade and caught it. A tattoo marked her cheek, the black symbol unmistakable but jagged, as if she’d thrashed during the process.

The same mark he’d painted on his chest lay branded on her face—the emblem of the Temhota.

Jon yanked down the neckline of his shirt, much like he had with the pirate, but this time he wiped at the mark, smearing it. The Dama paused in front of him, eyes narrowed, a gash marring her forehead. Even with the mark of his enemy on her face, she was breathtaking, and he didn’t have much breath left to spare.

“But you are a leech.” She pointed the serpentine blade at the hollow of his throat.

He nodded, swallowing iron. “I work with the Senary. I used to . . . I used to be human. I’m not what you think I am.”

“You stink of them.” Her lip curled in a snarl.

He nodded again, every muscle in his body screaming. “Because I’m one of them. Yet I’m not.”

Brilliant. Maybe a few of those bony shards made their way into his brain after all.

She flipped the sword deftly and held it in a two-handed grip, the sin qua non of impending decapitation. Her dark eyes didn’t have the cat-like gleam signature to vampires, but hate and anger bled through them anyway.

“Makes no difference to me.”

A Gritty Gotham by L.D. Rose

First, I’d like to say thank you for featuring me on your blog!

My name is Linda (writing as L.D. Rose) and I’m a doctor by day and author of dark PNR/UF by night. Today I’ll be talking about the world I created in The Order of The Senary series and my inspiration for the setting in the current books, RELEASING THE DEMONS and BLACK BULLET.

Although both novels are dark paranormal romances, they’re very heavy on urban fantasy, likely influenced for my love of all things gritty and metropolitan. This series takes place in the alternate present, in a dystopian New York City. I adore NYC and lived just north of the Big Apple during my medical school training. The sights and sounds of 469 square miles of concrete populated by 8.5 million people inspired me in so many ways, from the gothic architecture to the people watching to the visions of “what if?” What if vampires finally rose out of the darkness and attacked all of the major cities in the world? Where would humans run, hide, and would they fight back? How would they handle this evolutionary shift in power?

And hence, the premise for these crazy stories bloomed.

The Order of The Senary is one of a few groups of hybrid mercenaries genetically engineered by the U.S. government to exterminate vampires. Being half vampire themselves, they all undergo a constant battle between the monster and human inside them. Although they were socialized with humans as children, they grew up on military bases, trained to hone their powers (or the “side effects” of their hybridization, like pyrokinesis, telekinesis, and shapeshifting to name a few) and to become lethal killers. The psychological and physical trauma they endure is intense, but it’s all for the “greater good” of the human race. Taught to despise all things fanged (besides their own brothers), their love for their fellow man knows no bounds, but they’re banned from developing intimate relationships with others.

Until they each meet their own illicit partner, whether human, vampire, or something else entirely. 😉

Want to learn more? Check out the first novel, RELEASING THE DEMONS, available at all Amazon stores in both print and eBook. The second novel, BLACK BULLET, just released last month and I’m thrilled to share this vision of a dark world where love, brotherhood, and loyalty is the best means of survival.

Hope you enjoyed this post and thank you for stopping by!

L.D. Rose is a neurotic physician by day, crazed writer by night, and all around wannabe superhero. She writes paranormal romance and urban fantasy, but she’s been known to delve into horror, sci-fi, and medical suspense on occasion. L.D. Rose is a PAN member of the RWA, FF&P, NEC-RWA and CoLoNY. She currently lives in Rhode Island with her studly hubby, her hyperactive boxer, and her two devious cats.

Sign up for her newsletter for the latest on the Senary, sneak peeks, giveaways, and other fun stuff:http://eepurl.com/bKvuXD. You’ll receive a free horror short story with sign-up!

THE SIX SAVIORS CHRISTMAS NOVELLA by Carly Fall-a review

**This book is to be read after Roman, book 11 of the series** As Christmas approaches, there are three couples in the silo who are at odds with each other:

Hudson and Beverly Blake and Sophia Noah and Abby

Hudson and Beverly: When Hudson discovers a troubling secret, Beverly decides she needs some space. Will he be able to make things right with Beverly, and take care of his responsibilities?

Blake and Sophia: As Sophia reveals troubling news, Blake’s past comes back to haunt him and causes a huge rift between him and Sophia. Can Blake let go of his past, look to the future, and mend his relationship with Sophia?

Noah and Abby: As new parents of a baby who doesn’t sleep more than a couple of hours at a time, Noah and Abby are having difficulties finding quality time to spend together, and they must find a way to close the huge gap that has developed between them.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW:THE SIX SAVIORS CHRISTMAS NOVELLA by Carly Fall focuses on three couples we have previously met throughout the SIX SAVIORS sic-fi, paranormal, romance series. All three couples are struggling in their current relationships; all of the short stories take place a few days prior to Christmas, and all run parallel to the events in one another.

Some Series Background:6 saviors warriors from planet SR44: Rayner, Hudson, Noah, Cohen, Jovan & Talin were sent to earth over 220 years ago to stop and eradicate the 12 murderers who escaped from one of the moon colonies of planet SR44. The Colonists, as they were soon called, made their way to Earth, took the human body form, mated with the females and populated the earth with Colonist DNA. The savior warriors are part of the elite military from planet SR44, commissioned to remove the Colonists from Earth, but as the Colonists continued to breed, so too did their offspring and the number of inhabitants on earth with Colonist DNA is unknown. The Six Saviors have been unsuccessful in their attempts to locate all of the original Colonists and anyone with Colonist DNA.

HUDSON and BEVERLY: Hudson arrived on Earth over two hundred years earlier, and his days as a single, male have caught up with our hero when an indiscretion from his past resurfaces not once but twice. Hudson’s mate Beverly struggles with her husband’s surprising news, and takes some time alone to focus on their future.

BLAKE and SOPHIA:Blake is a descendent of the Colonists; a member of the Savior warriors, and a man determined never to make good on his DNA heritage- a heritage rife with anger, murderous rage, and the need to destroy everything good. But Blake’s mate has news that throws our hero into a tailspin where his rage filled and painful words not only hurt the woman that he loves but forces Sophia to walk away. Like Beverly, Sophia walks away from the man that she loves hoping he will come to understand the source of his anger, and refocus his pain in another direction.

NOAH and ABBY:Noah and Abby are new parents, and like many young infants the baby rarely sleeps which has begun to affect Noah and Abby’s personal relationship. An offer from one of the couple’s has Noah and Abby taking time for themselves, getting the much need rest and relaxation sorely missing from most new parent’s lives.

THE SIX SAVIORS CHRISTMAS Novella covers approximately five days in the life of three couples whose relationships have fallen onto hard times. All of the short stories run parallel to, and overlap some of the same events such that the reader does not feel pulled in too many direction. The premises are heartbreaking yet sweet; the romances are fated and reconciled; the characters are familiar as they struggle with life’s surprise and reveals. THE SIX SAVIORS CHRISTMAS novella is a welcome addition, and a quick peak into the lives of the Warrior Saviors.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

______________

NOTE:Book 1 in Carly Fall’s Six Saviors series THE LIGHT WITHIN ME (ebook format only) is currently FREE at most ebook retailers:Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

When Abby and Noah meet, there is an explosive attraction between them that neither can deny…

As a shy, awkward, social misfit, Abby has gone her whole life feeling as though she’s different from everyone else and she simply doesn’t fit in well with society as a whole. She longs to feel a real connection with someone, and she finally does when she meets Noah.

Unbeknownst to Abby, Noah is from another world and his sole purpose is to hunt down the evil of his people that was unleashed on Earth hundreds of years ago. He’s certain he isn’t going to be able to return to his home, and anger and the need for revenge are his constant companions. His focus has been eradicating the evil and making them pay for taking his life on his world away from him.

Noah tries desperately to fight his attraction to Abby so he can keep his focus on his mission. But when Abby gets dragged into the evil and mayhem from Noah’s world, he realizes that maybe with Abby he can find a home here on Earth…if he can save her in time.

A MATE FOR CHRISTMAS (Moon Shifter #7) by Katie Reus-a review

After recently losing her parents, packmates and a sister, Noel Cordona isn’t even close to being in the holiday spirit. It seems that everyone around her is moving on and happy, but she can’t seem to get it together. When an unexpected kiss changes everything she thought she knew about her packmate Nathan O’Neill, she feels alive for the first time in a year. She’s too broken for him though. At least that’s what she tries to tell them both.

But Nathan’s been waiting patiently for Noel. He’s not going to lose faith now. With a little holiday magic, he can help her overcome the weight of her grief and show her that opening her heart to him is the best Christmas gift he could ever give her.

•••••••••

REVIEW:A MATE FOR CHRISTMAS is the seventh and final installment in Katie Reus’s contemporary, adult MOON SHIFTER paranormal romance series. This is wolf shifters Noel Cordona, and Nathan O’Neill’s story line although many of the previous story line characters are featured as the author takes a final look at each of the couples, as well as a look into the future. Because A MATE FOR CHRISTMAS wraps up Katie’s Moon Shifter series, it is not recommended as a stand alone as a number of previous story line situations are referenced or brought to conclusion.

Told from several third person points of view including Noel and Nathan A MATE FOR CHRISTMAS follows Noel as the grief over the death of her sister, one year earlier, continues to grow. As Nathan patiently waits on the sidelines for the woman he knows is his mate, Noel begins to have second thoughts about the man with whom she is falling in love.

A MATE FOR CHRISTMAS wraps up a number of the previous story lines with happily ever afters; a glimpse into the future; and the expanding Cordona/Armstrong pack of shifters, vampires and fae. With the approach of the Christmas holidays the wolves begin to settle into a routine focusing on the celebrations, several new matings and revelations of love, and the possibility that more than one couple have a surprise announcement for the New Year.

Katie Reus’s wonderful and exciting MOON SHIFTER paranormal series is a must read for fans of the supernatural story lines. A MATE FOR CHRISTMAS is a story of romance; of family; and of happily ever afters.

Fifteen years ago, I ran away from Whisper Hollow, Washington, a small town on Crescent Lake in the Olympic Peninsula. But truth is, if you were born here, you can never really leave. I’m Kerris Fellwater, and I’m a spirit shaman. It’s my responsibility to drive the dead back to their graves, because around Whisper Hollow, people—and secrets—don’t always stay buried.

My best friend Peggin finds herself under a curse after she is almost taken by the Lady of the Lake, and the Unliving are determined to drag her back to the hungry waters. As Bryan—my guardian and mate—and I work to break the hex, we uncover a dark and violent mystery from the past. One the Hounds of Cú Chulainn will do anything to guard—even if they must summon a legion of the dead to destroy Whisper Hollow.

••••••••

REVIEW:

Shadow Silence begins shortly after book one ends. Kerris is settling into Whisper Hollow after a 15 year absence and is finding her place among the town’s protectors. When Kerris’ best friend, Peggin, finds out that she has thirty days to find another place to live (due to her landlord needing the house she rents), Kerris is less than pleased to find out that Peggin has her sights set on fixer-upper down by Crescent Lake. Even though Peggin knows that’s one of the most dangerous areas in town, she assures Kerris that she will be careful and on guard because she feels that the house is calling to her. Against Kerris’better judgement, she decides to support her friend’s decision.

When moving day arrives, it doesn’t take long for things to go very, very wrong. When Peggin disappears, Kerris assumes the worst. As she, Bryan (Kerris’ mate and guardian) and Deev (Peggin’s boyfriend) race to find Peggin, Kerris’ nightmare appears to be coming true. They find Peggin on the pier being dragged into the water by the Lady of the Lake. The trio is able to rescue Peggin from the Lady’s grasp, saving her from imminent death, only to discover that the Lady has marked Peggin, which doesn’t bode well for anyone. Especially Peggin. Kerris vows to Peggin that they will find a way to remove the Lady’s curse, but as they all soon discover, that’s easier said than done. Dark forces are making a move on Whisper Hollow and its residents, and it’s up to Kerris and the rest of the town’s protectors to try and find a way to stop them. As their allies gather, a traitor is discovered. Is he the only one? Who can they trust? Well, my friends, you’ll have to read to find out.

Shadow Silence is a great addition to this series. Yasmine Galenorn’s world building will grab you from the very beginning and have you turning the pages. Kerris is continuing to grow into her powers, discovering even more about herself as the days wear on. Bryan, her mate and guardian, continues to fascinate me. Peggin is the best friend whom everyone wishes they were lucky enough to have. However, it’s her boyfriend, Dr. Divine, aka Deev, that has me begging for more. He’s a steampunk artist type whom we know very little about, which adds to his draw. There’s a big story there and I can’t wait to know more about him. I said in my review of book one, Autumn Thorns, the secondary characters are multifaceted and complex. Shadow Silence has made me double down on that statement. I absolutely cannot wait to find out more about these intriguing characters and the dark forces that abound in this series. If you’re looking for a series that has wonderful world building, amazing characters, mystery and intrigue, as well as little romance thrown in, you will not go wrong with the Whisper Hollow series. Well done, Yasmine Galenorn. Very, very well done!!

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. For anyone who has never read your books, would you please tell us something about yourself?

YG: Well, I have around 50 books out at this point, plus novellas and short stories in a number of anthologies. I’ve been writing since before I could print my name—always knew I wanted to be a writer from the time I was three years old. I’m also a priestess in the Craft, and have been a shamanic witch since 1980, when I was 19. I’m one of the crazy cat ladies, and am married to a computer techie. I deal with multiple food allergies and intolerances which make it difficult to travel safely, and as a result, I cook everything I eat—I don’t have the choice, so it’s a good thing I learned to cook early on.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

YG: One of my biggest influences was Ray Bradbury—I call him one of my “mortal gods”…his work taught me that prose can sing, words can move the heart. I also think Daphne du Maurier was an influence, Richard Adams, Anne McCaffrey, Joan D. Vinge, Tanith Lee, and so many other authors.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties have you encountered writing and publishing your stories?

YG: The biggest hurdle was getting published in the first place. Back in 1996, by the time I got my first contract (for one of my nonfiction books), I had seven books in the closet already (that will never be published) and had accumulated over 600 rejection slips from agents and publishers. But so many were encouraging that I just kept gritting my teeth and submitting.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of Shadow Silence, the second book in your Whisper Hollow series?

YG: Shadow Silence is the story of a curse, and a friendship. When the Lady of the Lake targets Peggin, Kerris and Bryan must do their best to break the curse and free her from a watery death. I actually recorded a video about Shadow Silence and the Whisper Hollow series, and you can find that on my Youtube Channel. Whisper Hollow haunts my dreams—the characters are so alive and vibrant to me, and the town so dark and shadowed.

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the WHISPER HOLLOW series?

YG: At least four—and I really think I’ll write more than that. However, since Berkley has opted not to continue the series, I will be releasing the rest after Shadow Silence as an indie author. The next Whisper Hollow books will be titled: Crow Song, and Morrígan’s Blade. As soon as Shadow Silence releases, I’ll be posting the covers for them—they’re gorgeous.

TRC: Are you able to give us a hint about your next Otherworld/Sisters of the Moon installment?

YG: I will also be releasing these as an indie author (in fact, Shadow Silence is my last release with Berkley Books and then I’m moving over to the indie side for the foreseeable future). Moon Shimmers, book 19 in the Otherworld Series, will be available in January 2017. I’m planning to release Harvest Song in January 2018, and my last OW book—Blood Bonds—in January 2019. I will be doing a cover reveal on my blog for all three books on October 4th! In Moon Shimmers, Camille will be taking her place as the Queen of Dusk & Twilight.

TRC: How do you keep the plot(s) unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

YG: *grinning* I dunno…I just write the stories that appear in my head. I guess by now, with over fifty books out, it’s second nature.

TRC: When writing (or outlining) a story line do your characters direct the writing, or do you direct the characters?

YG: The characters lead the way, definitely. I long ago stopped trying to force plotlines because it always comes out stilted. I give the characters their head and they lead me where they need to go.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors, or family and friends. With whom do you bounce ideas and why?

YG: I bounce ideas off my husband and my assistants at times. Mostly, my subconscious does its little trick of mixing up everything and then spewing it out at me in one big lump. I stare at the creative hairball sitting at my feet, and then start trying to sculpt it. (Told you I’m the crazy cat lady).

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

YG: Covers are vital, which is why I’m so glad I’ve found incredible cover designers for my indie work. Wait till you see the covers for the next two Whisper Hollow books—brilliant and beautiful.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

YG: I’m finishing up Fury’s Magic, the second in my new indie series—the Fury Unbound Series. Book one—Fury Rising—came out in July and did very well, so I’m extremely pleased about that. I plan on releasing Fury’s Magic in November.

I’m also starting to promote two anthologies I’m in—Taming the Vampire will be coming out on October 31st, and it contains the prequel to a new series I’ll be introducing next year—the Bewitching Bedlam series. And Silver Belles will be coming out in late October as well, with one of the few contemporary romance short stories I’ve ever written in it—The Longest Night. Silver Belles is a winter-holiday themed anthology.

Actually, I have a number of surprises in the works. I’ll be re-releasing the entire Chintz ‘n China series this autumn with lovely new covers and a few additions. Really, it’s best to sign up for my newsletter if you want to keep informed, because there are going to be a lot of things going on in my various worlds over the next 18 months.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

YG: Just that I’m grateful for all my readers who have followed me on my adventures—and who are making the switch with me as I change over from the old guard to the new guard, so to speak. I appreciate it. I love that my readers love my worlds, and I really appreciate the support they give in return.

TRC: Thank you Yasmine for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of SHADOW SILENCE. We wish you all the best.

The Reading Cafe and Yasmine’s publisher are offering a paper copy of SHADOW SILENCE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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ABOUT THE BOOK: As part of the Watchers, Rhys is used to all types of combat, pursuit, and interrogation. But hacking and tracking through hidden online channels is where he excels. Shattering codes and sneaking around firewalls comes as easily to him as a swordfight or street brawl with a predatory enemy.

Cooking up sweet new pastry creations is Enza’s dream job. Kitchen appliances never fail her, unlike every computer she’s ever touched. Her fledging baking business is doing well, yet as streetlights flicker with her changing mood, she can’t shake the feeling that she’s different from everyone else. But life as a regular Chicago girl is all she’s ever known…until one hot summer night.

Violence threatens both of them when her world collides with Rhys’s in a dark city alley. As a raw and formidable ability awakens in her mind, she becomes targeted by the last person she expects. Drawn to his sweet baker with a pull he can’t deny, Rhys vows to protect her—no matter the consequences that will change their lives forever.

••••••••••

REVIEW:Stepping into the world of Torth and its awesome characters is always a treat. And this time we enjoy the treat of sexy lash demon Rhys and lovable baker, Enza. And speaking of treats, our heroine is a baker so we get to read about all sorts of treats from blueberry muffins to pound cake with icing on top. My mouth was just watering reading about her treats. I really enjoyed reading about Enza baking and sharing her treats with Rhys and his fellow warrior buddies. Enza was a really likeable heroine. She wasn’t whiny or argumentative which is often common in many female characters main or supporting character-wise. She had a lot of traits that I found admirable. She proved adaptable and courageous in many scenes that I wanted to high five her.

Rhys and Enza together was a treat in itself to read about. They may have had a rough beginning but they made it up with their trust in each other, having each other’s backs and yes chemistry. It was adorable reading about Rhys trying to be a gentleman and court Enza. One thing I really appreciated was I get it that Rhys made a mistake but he did not let that mistake color their relationship like pushing her away or becoming cold when she needs him the most. He didn’t do that. As for Enza’s transition into their crazy world and shocking discoveries, Rhys was super patient and understanding of her. Their love scene was sweet and pleasant to read though I do wish there was more love scenes because I really enjoyed them as a couple. Then again maybe I’m just being greedy after all they were the focal point of the book since there wasn’t really any side plots going on which is another thing I really appreciated about this book.

My closing thoughts, this awesome book had something for everyone. Romance, action-packed scenes, edge-of-your-seat suspense, sex, light-hearted humor, desserts, outstanding characters and out-of-this-world magic. I highly recommend this book and I excitedly look forward to reading more about these sexy lash warriors being paired with these strong awesome heroines.

*can be read as a stand-alone *previously published in the Gathering Darkness boxed set

It was only supposed to be one hookup. One hot night to ease the mating urge of his race’s fertile period.

But after scorching, up-against-the-wall sex in a darkened club, Tanner can’t get Saige out of his mind. And when he spots her the next day, in league with an enemy, he’s determined to uncover more about her than her delectable curves.

Saige knows Tanner is one of the good guys. And that’s why she can never see him again.

Her life has crumbled into a horrific turmoil, forced to aid criminals in kidnapping men for bloody arena fights. Held against her will, she has no hope of escape from her captors.

Determination rages through Tanner until he tracks Saige down. But rescuing her from her jailers’ sadistic whims means entering her underground hell. Posing as her victim and locked in a cell, he must find a way to save them both before he is pushed into a fight to the death.

••••••••••••

REVIEW:During the solstice on Torth, hormones are running rampant and fertility is an all-time high. Demons, fae, nymphs and other creatures of Torth are all affected; filled with lust and searching for that warm body to scratch that itch. To many creatures it’s just that, a warm body to scratch that itch. That’s all Tanner was looking for, to get relief from the solstice itch. What he didn’t expect was running into his mate in the midst of lust chaos at the club looking for the same thing.

Granted it wasn’t exactly ideal to meet your mate in their circumstance but it certainly made for one hot and steamy sex scene against the wall in one of the private rooms in the club. Honestly Sharon Key never fails to disappoint in her love scenes. If you want to read a book that leaves you breathless, I highly recommend you reach for a book by Sharon Kay.

I admit that I felt that the book was a little too short, I did wish the book was a little longer. Despite that I did heavily enjoy this novella and there was a lot to like in this novella. While many of the different creatures have powers that come with their breed like lash demons can summon fire balls from their hands or deserati can scry, Saige has a different power that she can use mind control. I thought she was dealt an awesome power that many doesn’t have. I did enjoy seeing the glimpses of Saige and Tanner’s separate lives. The rescue scene of getting Saige and her brother Logan out of their imprisonment was a fun, fast-paced and intense action scene. What I enjoyed the most was the last scene where Saige and Tanner decide that they want to be together and have an adorable love scene at the pool.

I know I said this before but I’m going to say it again, this book was a fun play on fantasy. To realize that it wasn’t the after effects of post-solstice sex affecting you but the fact that that warm body is in fact your mate that your destined to be with. Fantastic novella and I hope Sharon Kay keeps them coming.

Sharon Kay writes award-winning fiction and can never get enough reading time. She loves winter and black coffee, and is endlessly inspired to write kick-ass heroines and the men strong enough to capture their hearts. Sharon lives in the Chicago area with her husband and son, and one weekend the idea for her Lash Watchers and tough leading ladies formed in her head, refusing to stay quiet until she put pen to paper. Her characters tend to keep her up at night, as they banter, fall in love, and slay endless varieties of power-hungry demons.

Sign up for Sharon’s newsletter to keep up with her demons, see early cover reveals and be entered in periodic giveaways HERE

Sharon Kay is graciously offering a paper copy of AWAKENING KISS to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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